Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment - So You've Blown Up Reality, Now What? My First Foray Survival Kit
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
Dive into *Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment* without feeling swamped by its initial chaos! This guide, inspired by Josh Broadwell's work at Polygon, cuts through the noise with eleven crucial tips, from prioritizing 'side' quests to mastering your magical Zonai gadgets, ensuring you're not just surviving but truly thriving in the frantic Hyrulean battles.
Right, so you've just dived headfirst into *Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment*, haven't you? And if you're anything like me – a digital wizard who occasionally casts a spell a bit too enthusiastically and ends up in a parallel dimension of frantic button-mashing – you're probably looking at the world map thinking, 'Bloody hell, where do I even begin?' It's a proper whirlwind, mate. Icons lighting up like a Christmas tree in a lightning storm, tutorials popping faster than a rogue elemental, and the game’s just kinda… *there*.
It's a lot to process, isn't it? Things like those sneaky 'aside quests' or why some upgrade items have little marks that make no sense initially. And don't even get me started on the stuff the game just flat-out forgets to mention, like whom you can actually chain sync attacks with. It's like being handed a spellbook with half the pages missing and told, 'Go on, save Hyrule!'
Fear not, fellow adventurer! I've been tinkering with this game – and a rather excellent guide, which I'll get to – and I've got a scroll of wisdom for you. These aren't just your bog-standard 'hit the bad guy' tips; these are the bits and bobs that'll stop you from getting absolutely flattened by the hordes of gloom and turn you into a proper tactical genius. Or at least, help you not feel quite so overwhelmed.
Now, this wisdom, mind you, was originally conjured and compiled by the rather clever Josh Broadwell over at Polygon. I've just added a sprinkle of my own digital pixie dust and a healthy dose of Jeff-style context, because, let's be fair, what's information without a good yarn, eh? (You can find the original, un-pixie-dusted article here: `)
Let’s dive into the arcane arts of not sucking, shall we?
### 1. The Not-So-Optional 'Side Hustle' (Do Every Side Quest)
Okay, so the game calls them 'side quests,' but honestly, you should treat them like main quests wearing a clever disguise. Some are genuinely mandatory to progress the story – like a secret incantation you *must* learn to open the next portal. But even the ones that aren't strictly required? Get 'em done! They're your golden ticket to staying ahead of the difficulty curve, netting you sweet rewards, and sometimes, unlocking entirely new playable characters. Imagine finding a new spell-slinging companion just because you helped someone find their lost cucco! Plus, there are those item-delivery quests tied to your recruited heroes; these aren't just busywork, they're like gathering rare reagents to imbue your allies with more hearts or even new attacks. Don't skimp on these. Seriously.
### 2. The Unsung Heroes of Your Quest Log (Check Your Aside Quests)
These 'aside quests' are the unsung heroes, the quiet achievers of *Age of Imprisonment*. They're often character-specific, like 'Zelda defeats 50 Bokoblins.' Sounds trivial, right? Like a minor magical mishap. But treating them as essential is a wizard's move. They shower you with rupees, food, and critter items – all those little bits and bobs you’ll desperately need for later, grander side quests. My advice? Before you leap into a mission, glance at that aside quest menu. Spend a few minutes during the battle ticking off those objectives. It's like brewing a small batch of potions while you're already in the dungeon; small effort, big payoff.
### 3. Don't Be a Dull Blade (Upgrade Your Weapons)
This one might seem as obvious as 'don't stand in the fire,' but the game gives you *one* tiny little whisper about the blacksmith at the beginning and then leaves you to forget. Don't be that hero lugging around a toothpick when you could have a gleaming, enchanted broadsword! Upgrading your weapons with Zonaite steel isn't just about bigger numbers (though, let's be honest, those are satisfying). At higher levels, you unlock new perks, transforming your trusty weapon into a formidable artifact. Think of it as levelling up your wand, giving it a new rune slot. Proper game-changer, that.
### 4. Advanced Enchantments Can Wait (Seals Are for Second Playthroughs)
Now, about those 'seals' we just mentioned. You might notice some Zonaite steel has specific seals, and using multiple pieces with the same seal can stack some seriously potent bonus effects. Sounds tempting, doesn't it? Like finding a legendary artifact early on. But here's the gently skeptical Jeff take: for your initial playthrough on default difficulty, don't get bogged down in the grind for perfect seals. It's like trying to master advanced teleportation before you've got basic levitation down. Focus on standard upgrades and, more importantly, *actually learning how each playable character works*. Master the basics, and the advanced stuff will come naturally later, mate.
### 5. Unleash Your Full Spellbook (Experiment with All Your Skills)
It's easy to get comfortable, isn't it? Find one or two combo attacks that work and stick to 'em like glue. But in *Age of Imprisonment*, especially when the difficulty ramps up, being a one-trick pony is a recipe for disaster. The game *wants* you to experiment. Some skills, like Rauru's upgraded second strong attack, are brilliant for clearing hordes, but utterly useless against a tough foe's guard. Then his fourth basic attack combo has phenomenal reach, letting you zap enemies from a safer distance. Mixing and matching isn't just fun – it's functional. Find the right incantation for the right foe, and you'll feel like a true battlemage.
### 6. It's Not Just for Show, Is It? (Use Your Specials Liberally)
You see that golden meter in the top left? The one that fills up and lets you activate a 'Special' attack with the 'A' button? Use it! Don't hoard it like a rare piece of loot you're saving for the 'perfect' moment. While they might not feel quite as utterly devastating as in *Age of Calamity*, they're still potent. More importantly, they’re your key to 'Sync Attacks,' which are the real game-changers here. As soon as that meter is full, unleash that bad boy on the nearest big enemy. It's like a well-timed 'Kamehameha' from a fairy, I tell ya!
### 7. The Magic of a Good Cuppa (Make a Camp)
A little way into your journey, you'll unlock the option to set up camp on certain maps, and later, even before starting a quest. My advice? *Always* do this. Camps in *Age of Imprisonment* are your little pocket dimension of power-ups. You can spend ingredients to get bonus effects like extra experience points (who doesn't want more XP?) or a faster charge for your special meter. On top of that, they refill your hearts and replenish your precious Zonai battery charge. It's like finding a secret inn in the middle of a monster-infested forest; don't be a hero, take a break and power up!
### 8. Teamwork Makes the Dream Work (Link Up with Friendlies)
Here’s another one the game keeps under wraps: your sync attacks aren't just limited to your two immediate allies. When that meter is full, you can link up with *any* nearby allied commander – those Hylian captains, for example – for a different flavour of sync attack. It’s a secret handshake of mayhem! This means you’ve got even more opportunities to unleash devastating combo attacks across the battlefield. Always be on the lookout for those glowing prompts; they’re not just for show, they’re invitations to a party of destruction.
### 9. Delegate, Don't Suffocate (Remember to Send Your Allies Out)
While map management isn't quite the intense chess game it is in some other Warriors spin-offs (looking at you, *Fire Emblem: Three Hopes*), it's still a smart move in *Age of Imprisonment*. On larger maps with multiple objectives, don't try to be everywhere at once. Send one of your allies to a far-flung outpost or to help an NPC commander in trouble. It gets things done more quickly, and since most encounters feature a friendly NPC you can link up with for sync attacks anyway, you're not missing out on crucial opportunities. Think of them as your tactical minions, fulfilling your strategic will across the map.
### 10. Unleash the Gadget-Magic! (Use Your Zonai Devices a Lot)
Remember how in *Tears of the Kingdom* your Zonai devices would vanish after a single use? Well, throw that notion out the window for *Age of Imprisonment*, mate! Once you’ve got a Zonai device, it's yours to keep. You can use it as many times as you want until you run out of battery. And you can refill that battery with charge items (you start each mission with three!) or by visiting a camp. These devices become absolutely essential in boss fights once Ganondorf's war truly kicks off, so get comfortable using them early. Don't be afraid to zap, launch, and blast your way through. Save some charge refills for the climactic main story battles, because you'll need 'em.
### 11. Your Expanded Inventory of Wonders (You Can Use Stuff That Isn't on Your Quick Access)
The game nudges you to assign items to your quick-action buttons, which is handy, no doubt. But here’s the kicker: you're not limited to just those assigned items! If you press 'right' on the direction pad, it opens up a full menu of *all* your available actions and Zonai devices. From there, you can use any of them, assuming you have enough charge, of course. It’s like discovering a hidden compartment in your magical satchel. Don't let the quick-slot lie to you; your full arsenal is always just a button press away.
### The Final Word
So there you have it, a quick dive into the glorious chaos of *Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment*. It can feel like a lot at first, like trying to juggle five exploding runes, but with these pointers, you’ll be tearing through hordes and saving Hyrule in no time. Remember, the best spells are often the ones you discover yourself through experimentation, and sometimes, a little bit of casual irreverence. Now go forth, digital wizard, and make some glorious trouble!
Cheers, Jeff
Tags: Hyrule Warriors, Age of Imprisonment, Beginner Tips, Nintendo Switch, Action RPG
Original article: Polygon